MATTAWA — After a season which exceeded expectations, the Wahluke Warriors (10-6) bring an experienced roster ready to return to the 1A state tournament. Only having to replace the center back spot, Head Coach Cele Lopez has a lot of confidence in this year’s team – and he’s not the only one.  

“Everybody feels more confident,” Lopez said. “Especially as a group, as a coach, I feel more confident. We have a lot of freshmen again. We rebuilt on every position last year, so we're going to be ready for whatever comes this year, it's going to be a challenge, but we're going to be ready.” 

Last season, the Warriors had to replace more talent from the previous season, which left a lot of questions to be answered for Lopez. Despite expectations being initially low, the Warriors put together a winning season that saw them earn a state tournament bid, before being eliminated in the first round. 

Some of the key players returning from that team this season are Ashya Erazo, Morgan Harlow, Yohary Magana, Bela Mendoza, Jade Velasco Vargas and Keyla Garduno who are taking on the leadership role head on with the team.  

With this level of continuity, the Warriors have returned to the pitch with a heightened confidence, hunger to compete and a big family feel, Lopez said.  

“It feels like a different environment than last year,” he said. “Everybody's more confident. I feel actually like I'm coaching in peace this year. We're watching the same faces for three years now, so they feel confident just to be part of a big family.” 

Though there’s a lot of excitement for the Warriors this season, they are not overlooking their opponents in the South Central Athletic Conference either. They’ll come across teams like the Royal Knights, Cashmere and Naches Valley who all finished just above them in the SCAC standings last season. 

“Every year is a challenge,” the coach said. “Every year we said, ‘Everybody lost players here and there,’ but it's a strong league. We're going to be ready to compete, I'm pretty sure we're going to be in top four, that's the plan at least. Gotta stay confident.” 

Not only do the Warriors come into 2026 with confidence, but somewhat of a chip on their shoulder to not be overlooked. At times they have felt that way, but Lopez finds that to be motivating, he said.  

“We're a small town, and we have a bunch of girls that don't play club (soccer),” he said. “Some other girls, that's the only sport they play, and then the rest of the year they're doing pretty much nothing, and then everybody looks at us like, "Oh, it's Wahluke.’ It's good if we get overlooked, it's always good to be feeling like the underdog because we do have high expectations about our team, but not everybody else (does).” 

When they take to the pitch this season, the Warriors are putting a bigger emphasis on team effort over individual strengths. It’s going to take all starters and subs to find success and consistency this season, Lopez said.  

“We have to pull in the same direction. Other than that, it's not going to work. It doesn't matter if we have a really strong offense. If we can control defense, we're still going to lose games,” he said.  

Lopez noted he has seen that team effort approach from his players throughout the offseason, which boosts his confidence in their potential. As they get further into the season, the Warriors are eager to build a unified identity.  

“Everybody looks like they're trying to be friends with each other this year, so hopefully that helps a little bit,” he said. “We came up with this idea to say hi as soon as you get here to everyone, and to say bye every time we're leaving. So, I think friendship is going to be our best weapon.” 

The Warriors opened their season on the road on Sept. 3, but results were not available at the time of press. Their first home game is scheduled for Sept. 5 against Naches Valley at 1 p.m.

    Keylli Madrigal boots the ball back into play while playing goalkeeper during practice.
  

   

    Keyla Garduno (in green vest) battles with a teammate for control of the ball.